The Editor, Sir:

The Jamaican economy has suffered from what economists call a 'diminishing rate of marginal technical substitution' in relative terms when compared to most of its sister colonies that got independence post-World War II except for some of those on the African continent. As a nation we have not sought to improve the technical ability of our labour force with any urgency.

There is an optimal mix between capital, machinery and labour. The reality is that as labour became more plentiful relative to machines it is logical to expect increased difficulties in replacing capital with labour if the entrepreneur wishes to have perpetual optimisation.

In short we have lost the gusto for industrialisation by foregoing technical efficiency, a trend analogous to an economy of peasantry and retailing. Hence, many Jamaicans have resorted to jobs as farmers, cashiers, housekeepers and idlers. The labourer is not inculcated to establish the link between school and the demands of the labour market. There is an obvious training and process gap after secondary and university education. This gap is critical for tapping into the creativity of young people for exploring artisanship, volunteering and training.

This should help to stem the lull of youngsters feeling starved of economic opportunities when the truth is that they should really be honing their skills. The HEART academies are doing a stupendous job but we need to triple their efforts to bring to the forefront and then (examine) issues about economic take-off. The culture of picking scholastic winners in the Jamaican family needs broadening to include the entire community.

I am, etc.,

GARNETT WAITE

gjordel@hotmail.com

Kensington,

Welcome Hall P.O.

St. James

Via Go-Jamaica